The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) said it would embark on a year-long project to map and analyse the genomes of at least 40 local breeds of cattle. A1 and A2 beta-casein are genetic variants of the beta-casein milk protein that differ by a single amino acid. The A1 beta-casein type is the most common type found in cow’s milk in Europe (excluding France), the U.S., Australia and New Zealand. However, scientists now say that techniques are round the corner that can potentially ‘silence’ A1 genes. Beta-lactoglobulin is a protein in cow’s milk that triggers an allergic reaction in many infants.

Source: The Hindu May 13, 2017 14:03 UTC